Rund's Halloween Makeup TutorialOct.27.2020
When you’ve got a sweet tooth and you’re looking for your next sugary fix, try and aim for foods high in antioxidants – so you’re killing two birds with one stone as you bust your cravings and help combat the effects of oxidative stress. We don’t need to go into too many details on the science side, but just know that antioxidants can help neutralise free radicals (toxic by-products of oxygen metabolism) – thus helping to reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases, which is always a good thing. Here are five delicious sources of antioxidants.
Well-known for their antioxidant properties, blueberries are a delicious little fruit, low in calories and high in flavour and nutritional value. The anthocyanin antioxidants in blueberries have been linked to a lowering of LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and it’s a versatile fruit that can be added to any breakfast dish – from porridge to pancakes, or blended into a smoothie if that’s your jam.
Another yummy sweet treat, these little red berries are dried fruits that can be found in any health food store and most supermarkets. With a fairly concentrated flavour profile, these berries are packed with health benefits and have actually been used in Chinese medicine for many years for that very reason.
Photo Credits // grapetree
High in vitamin C and various other antioxidants, strawberries are up there on the favourites list when it comes to a sweet juicy fruit treat. Like blueberries, they also have a high anthocyanin level, which is actually linked to their red colour. The same antioxidant can also have blue and purple pigment properties, hence the vibrant colour profiles of these fruits.
A personal favourite, the tart raspberry fruit is also a key antioxidant source for our diets and has a flavour profile that works well with anything sweet because it bursts in with that slightly tangy sharp twist. Known for having anti-inflammatory properties, the antioxidants in raspberries can help to alleviate symptoms of oxidative stress, which is important for the general functioning of the body and combating the unhealthy effects of free radicals.
OK this isn’t a fruit, but I am sold. Lucky for the chocolate lovers out there, the dark variety is actually good for you (in moderation that is) and this is due to the higher concentration of cocoa and the resultant level of antioxidants in the mix. There have been links to quite surprising health benefits, including a reduced level of inflammation in the body. Any excuse for a bar of chocolate I say!
